The suffering of Christ was necessary to provide the means for our salvation from sin. No amount of money could purchase it. The precious blood of the Son of God was required. (I Pet. 1:18,19). Our Savior also had to be sinless. How could a sinful man be the ultimate sacrifice for a sinful people? Both in Prophecy and in fulfillment the death of Jesus of Nazareth, God in human form, was to be that perfect sacrifice for the sins of the world. And then his sinless suffering became the example for all who would follow Him. “For to this were you called because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps.” (I Pet. 2:21)
He committed no sin. (I Pet. 2:22) The perfect life of the Savior is given repeated emphasis in the scriptures. “For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” ( II Cor. 5:21) He “was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.” (Heb. 4:15) Christians are to be followers of the perfect Savior. Of course, complete perfection is impossible for us; however, it should be our goal in life. (Matt. 5:48; Heb. 6:1) And when we fall short of the goal, and we all do, Christ then completes our perfection as we are forgiven and justified through his atoning sacrifice. (Rom. 3:23-26) He is the… “Author and finisher of our faith.” (Heb. 12:2) Where we fail, he completes and makes right in “bringing many sons to glory.” (Heb. 2:10) No literal perfection is required, but following the perfect One is required.
No deceit was found in his mouth. (I Pet. 2:22) There was no hypocrisy or insincerity in anything He said or did. He was in all respects what He professed to be. Though He was condemned as an imposter, the charge was totally unfounded. If we are to be like Him, we must free ourselves of every kind of deception, hypocrisy and falsehood. A few verses later these words are found: “ He who would love life and see good days, let Him refrain His tongue from evil, and His lips from speaking deceit; let Him turn away from evil and do good…” ( I Pet 3: 10,11) Our life is to be an open book. What we say, we are. That was Jesus.
He did not revile or threaten. “… who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return, when He suffered, He did not threaten…” (I Pet. 2:23). Jesus did not retaliate. Revenge was never in His thoughts. Legions of angels could have destroyed His enemies at His calling, but to purchase our redemption, He willingly submitted. Followers of Jesus do not take revenge for insults and abuse from others. We do not threaten when we suffer. “…For it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” (Rom. 12:19)
He committed himself to Him who judges righteously. ( I Pet. 2:23) Are you willing to fit into God’s plan for your life as Jesus did? No higher treasure can be entrusted to another than the soul . Paul wrote, “For this reason I also suffer these things, nevertheless I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that day.” (II Tim. 1:12) To whom have you committed your soul?
-Richard
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